Telogen effluvium

In this episode, we unpack the endocrine drivers behind telogen effluvium, exploring how hormonal and metabolic shifts disrupt normal hair follicle kinetics. We review the cellular mechanisms forcing active anagen follicles into premature catagen and telogen phases, causing diffuse shedding months after the initial insult. The discussion focuses on differentiating thyroid dysfunction and postpartum estrogen drops from systemic stressors like iron and vitamin D deficiencies. Finally, we outline a targeted diagnostic laboratory evaluation for endocrinologists, detail key bedside maneuvers like the hair pull test, and provide evidence-based strategies to correct underlying metabolic imbalances and manage chronic shedding.